Brainstorm Carousel Activity: defining terms
1. Have papers hung around the room with the terms written at the top.
2. Divide class into equal groups.
3. Give each group one marker for the “writer,” making sure that each group has a
different color.
4. Groups travel to each sign and write their definition. If they agree with something
that is already written, they may put a * next to it to show agreement.
5. Once all are complete, go over each chart discussing terms; add to definitions if
necessary, from the list below
Terms:
i. Bullying
1. Imbalance of power: older, bigger, stronger, higher up social
ladder, different race, opp. sex
2. intent to harm: physical or emotional
3. threat of further aggressions: not meant to be a one time event
4. Terror: is systematic violence used to intimidate and maintain
dominance.
5. verbal, physical
ii. Bully
1. confident bully, big ego, sense of self
2. social bully: uses rumor, gossip, verbal taunts, shunning to
systematically isolate targets
3. fully armored bully: cool and detached, shows little emotion. Flat
affect
4. hyperactive bully: struggles with academics and has poor
developed social skills.
5. the Bullied bully: is both a target and a bully. Abused by adults or
older kids.
6. the bunch of bullies: a group of firneds who collectively do
something they would never do individually to someone they want
to exclude.
7. The gang of bullies: pursuit of power, control, domination.
8. a sense of entitlement, an intolerance towards differences, a liberty
to exclude
iii. Bystander
1. afraid of getting hurt themselves
2. afraid of becoming a new target of the bully
3. is afraid of doing something that will only make the situation
worse
4. does not know what to do
iv. Cyberbulling
1. same as bullying, but utilizing the internet to do so.
v. Sexual harassment
1. based on an imbalance of power and is one-sided.
2. intended to harm and exploit
3. intended to express control and domination
vi. Hazing
1. important for all of us to feel that we belong
2. rites of initiation can be powerful and meaningful.
Think/Pair/Share Discussion:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Have students write their answer to the following questions.
Once complete have them turn to a partner to share, noticing similarities and differences.
Have pairs share with other pairs, noticing similarities and differences
Can then have groups share with whole class.
 Why do some kids get bullied over other kids?
 Why do some kids bully others?
 Where in DHS are kids bullied?
 How can students reduce or respond to bullying in school?
Follow up with the What Can You Do If You Witness Bullying handout and Let’s Get Real, Being
an Ally handout to offer some concrete language and steps to help.
Bullying Reflection:
Please think back to the FIRST time you acted as a bully or were bullied, and respond to
the following questions.
1. How old were you?
2. What were the details of the incident?
3. What effect did this have on you?
4. Were there other people around? If yes, who?
Please think back to the most RECENT time you observed someone else being bullied and
respond to the following questions.
1. What year was the incident? (more specific time frame if you remember)
2. Describe the details
3. Describe your action.
As you talk in your group please answer the following questions.
1.
Why do some kids get teased or bullied over other kids?
2.
Why do some kids tease or bully others?
3. Where at DHS are kids teased or bullied?
4. How can we as Peer Helpers reduce or respond to bullying in school?
What you can do if you witness bullying
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Refuse to join in
o Instead of laughing along or teasing the bully’s target, just stay quiet. If
you refuse to participate, the bully has less encouragement to continue his
or her behavior.
Walk away when bullies are acting up.
o When you physically remove yourself, you reduce the amount of
attention the bully is getting. Also, the act of walking away may send a
quiet message that you don’t approve of what is happening
Distract the bully so he or she stops the bullying behavior
o Sometimes changing the subject, telling an unrelated story or joke, or just
encouraging the bully to do something else can prevent a hurtful incident
from happening. This is not a permanent solution, but it may be enough
to avoid more moments of torture for one of your classmates.
Report any bullying you see.
o Tell a trusted teacher or some other adult in the building. Instead of
“telling on” the bully, you might express concern for the person who is
being targeted. You might say, “I’m worried about Eric because people
keep teasing him.” Taking this step can help make adults aware of the
problem so something can be done about it.
Speak Out
o When you see the bullying taking place, speak out against it. Simple
phrases like “leave her alone” or “knock it off” or “that’s not cool” can
really undermine the control a bully has. If you and other people protest,
the bully will become uncomfortable and is likely to stop the hurtful
behavior.
Stand beside the bully’s target.
o When someone is being teased or intimidated, walk over and stand with
that person. Or simply invite him or her to join your group of friends.
Your action will send a message that hurtful behavior is unacceptable.
Work with others to reduce bullying
Are you willing to take a Pledge to Stop Bullying
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Pledge to be a part of the solution
Eliminate taunting from your own behavior
Encourage others to do the same
Do your part to make our community a safe
place by being more sensitive to others
Set the example of a caring individual
Eliminate profanity toward others from your
language.
Not let your words or actions hurt others
And if others won’t become a part of the
solution, Pledge that YOU WILL
Final reflections:
Bully
Describe what they look like, what they do and what they say,
when you think of the word what comes to mind?
Bullied
Describe what they look like, what they do and what
they say, when you think of the word what comes to
mind?
Bystander
Describe what they look like, what they do and what
they say, when you think of the word what comes to
mind?
Cyber Bullying
Describe what this looks like, what is done and what is
said, when you think of the word what comes to mind?
Where on line might this happen?
Sexual Harassment
Describe what this looks like, what is done and what is
said, when you think of the word what comes to mind?
Hazing
Describe this they looks like, what is done and what can
be said, when you think of the word what comes to
mind? How does this differ from Bullying?